Falcons release veteran tackle Clabo

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons released starting tackle Tyson Clabo on Thursday, with the move effective after June 1.

Clabo started all 101 games he played for the Falcons, including 16 games in each of the last five seasons at right tackle. He has played the left side in his career, too.

The team will save about $4.5 million in salary by cutting Clabo, who joined Atlanta's practice squad in 2005 after signing with Denver as an undrafted free agent the previous year.

Atlanta had less than $2 million in salary cap space heading toward the draft and needed to free up money to sign rookies.

Clabo could find employment quickly with several teams in need of a tackle. But with that position so strong in this year's draft, his options might be limited until after the draft.

"Unfortunately, we had to make another difficult decision regarding our roster today," said Falcons coach Mike Smith. "Tyson was a valuable contributor to our football team during his time here and we appreciate everything he did for this team and in the community."